TJ Slaton is a Bengal

[SunsetBengal]

(03-11-2025, 02:59 PM)THE PISTONS Wrote: DL TJ Slaton
PFF grade: 43.0

Rank among defensive linemen: 130/145

Slaton led all defensive linemen in ESPN's run stop win rate, suggesting a dominant season against the run, and the Packers effectiveness stopping the run with Slaton on the field backs up ESPN's claim. But PFF did not agree. Slaton finished with one of the worst run defense grades at the position, and a 13.5 missed tackle rate meant a poor tackle grade. Slaton finished with only one sack and two quarterback hits, highlighting his limitations as a pass-rusher. But PFF's overall grade for Slaton doesn't seem to match up with his specific value as a run stopper and block eater.

My commentary - 'In run stop win rate, a defender can earn a win by doing any of the following: beating his blocker so he's in better position to stop the runner; disrupting the pocket or running lane by pushing his blocker backward; containing the runner such that he must adjust his running lane; or recording a tackle within 3 yards of the line of scrimmage. If a defender earns a run stop win, his blocker earns a loss -- and vice versa.'

So it doesn't necessarily mean you made the tackle and stopped the run. It just meant you were in position to. Or you pushed your blocker back.

https://packerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2025/02/05/pff-grades-of-packers-free-agent-class-in-2025/78244207007/

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/41040723/2024-nfl-win-rates-top-teams-players-rankings

Part of the low grade of so many NTs is due to their responsibility to draw, and occupy 2 blockers. Many times those plays are graded as a Zero, no win, no loss. They don't award him a partial point for allowing the LB to make the play unimpeded. Which is often the desired result of their coaches.

To further expand on the subject, I decided to look at Slaton's stats compared to Poona Ford's, as a couple of board members were desiring the team to look at him.

Ford: 2024  39 tackles in 604 snaps = 6.4% tackle rate  In 2021, Ford's best season, 53 tackles in 802 snaps = 6.6% tackle rate. Pretty good for a NT.

Slaton: 2024 30 tackles in 427 snaps = 7.0% tackle rate. In 2023, Slaton's first year as starter, 50 tackles in 626 snaps = 8.0% tackle rate. Damn good for a NT.

The Bengals could have done much worse than TJ Slaton at NT, he really is efficient for his position.